Can Adoption of Mixed-Methods Research Be Measured? A Mixed-Methods Study of Dissertation Abstracts

• In Event: Differing Approaches to Mixed- and Multimethod Research

Abstract

Prevalence studies have been conducted to assess adoption and use of mixed methods research (MMR) in different contexts. A limitation of these studies is their dichotomous conceptualization of MMR adoption (adopted or not) as opposed to viewing adoption as a continuum. This study provides a proof of concept to determine whether the construct of adoption of MMR can be measured using researchers’ reporting practices of MMR elements. The results showed that it is a construct in which some MMR elements (i.e., Integration techniques, Sequence, and Qualitative and Quantitative Methods) had the ability to distinguish doctoral dissertation abstracts. This work contributes to the field of MMR with a new conceptualization of adoption of MMR and provides critical reflections on its utility.

Authors

• Sinem Toraman, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

• Kyle T. Cox, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Vicki L. Plano Clark, University of Cincinnati